VZCZCXYZ0009
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSL #0087 0581619
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 271619Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY BRATISLAVA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1551

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000087 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR EEB/ESC/IEC - GGRIFFIN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ENRG SENV APER ABUD LO
SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA - INPUT FOR ENERGY REPORT TO CONGRESS 
 
REF: STATE 10743 
 
¶1. We are providing the below response on Post's energy 
related activities based on the questions in para. 4 of 
reftel. 
 
¶2. Question A: The Political/Economic Section is responsible 
for energy policy matters.  The section is composed of three 
Foreign Service Officers, one Fascell Fellow, and four FSNs. 
The U.S. Commercial Service is responsible for promoting U.S. 
exports in the energy sector, and works together with the 
Pol/Econ section on issues related to commercial advocacy. 
The Commercial Service has one Foreign Service Officer and 
three LES employees. 
 
¶3. Question B: In addition to the front office, the Pol/Econ 
section and the Commercial Service in 2007 devoted the 
following percentage of their time to energy issues: 
 
-- Economic Chief (Deputy of the P/E section): 35 percent 
-- Pol/Economic Officer: 10 percent 
-- LES Economic Specialist: 30 percent 
-- Senior Commercial Officer: 40 percent 
-- LES Commercial Specialist: 50 percent 
 
¶4. Question C: The Economic Chief has the lead on Mission 
efforts on energy issues with a specific focus on the oil, 
gas and nuclear sectors.  This includes engaging with top 
government and private sector officials on domestic and 
regional energy policies.  The key issues include the sale of 
a 49 percent stake (plus management control) in the oil 
transit pipeline, contracts on ongoing and future nuclear 
projects, and long-term gas contracts. The officer reports on 
all developments in the Slovak energy sector, with the 
exception of alternative energy.  The officer coordinates 
with the Foreign Commercial Officer in advocating on behalf 
of U.S. companies active or interested in the energy sector. 
 
The Pol/Econ Officer is Post's Environment, Science and 
Technology officer and has primary responsibility for climate 
change and alternative energy.  Responsibilities include 
reporting and preparing speeches and background materials on 
these issues. 
 
The LES Economic Specialist researches, analyzes and prepares 
reports and background information on energy issues.  The 
Specialist closely follows legislative and other developments 
related to oil, gas and nuclear sectors. 
 
The Senior Commercial Officer maintains contacts with energy 
companies in the U.S. and Slovakia and advocates on behalf of 
U.S. companies with the Slovak government.  In 2007 he 
organized a renewable energy and alternative fuels trade 
mission for companies with alternative energy products and 
technologies. 
 
The LES Commercial Specialist drafts market research reports 
and analyses, maintains contacts with government decision 
makers in the energy sector, advocates on behalf of U.S. 
companies, provides contact-making services for U.S. energy 
companies, and supports trade missions and other energy 
related visits. 
 
¶5. Question D: Salary costs based on time distribution in 
question B are estimated to be $126,250.  Together the 
Pol/Econ section and the Commercial Service spent 
approximately $3,500 on program-related activities. 
 
¶6. Embassy POC is Economic Chief William Laitinen, 
laitinenwh@state.gov, tel:  421 2 5922 3394. 
OBSITNIK